Repentance is a major biblical doctrine that is emphasized throughout the Old and New Testaments. At its core, biblical repentance refers to making a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to turn towards God. It involves a change of heart and a change of behavior. The Bible makes it clear that repentance is something God commands all people everywhere to do (Acts 17:30). Here is an overview of some of the major things the Bible teaches about repentance.
The Meaning of Repentance
The primary Hebrew word for repentance in the Old Testament is “shuv” which means to “turn back” or “return.” The primary Greek word for repentance in the New Testament is “metanoeo” which means to “change one’s mind.” Thus, in the Bible, the concept of repentance involves turning away from sin and turning back towards God. It signifies a change of heart and a change of behavior.
Repentance and Confession
Biblical repentance involves confessing one’s sins before God. The act of verbally confessing sins puts a voice to one’s remorse over sin and shows a heart ready to turn from those sins (1 John 1:9). When one confesses their sins before God, they are agreeing with Him that what they did was wrong. Confession demonstrates contrition over sins.
Repentance and Conversion
In the Bible, repentance leads to conversion. When one repents, their life is changed and transformed. They become converted from a life of sin to a life of following God. This change of behavior stems from the change of heart. In Acts 3:19, Peter connects repentance to conversion by saying “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repentance leads to conversion.
Repentance and Faith
Biblical repentance also involves turning to God in faith. Repentance is not just being sorry over sin, but also placing one’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Paul declared in Acts 20:21 that he testified to both Jews and Greeks “that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” Repentance is closely tied to faith in Christ.
Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins
A key result of repentance is receiving forgiveness of sins. When one genuinely repents and turns from their sin, God is faithful and just to forgive that sin (1 John 1:9). Forgiveness is conditional upon repentance. In Luke 24:47, Jesus tells his disciples “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.” Repentance leads to forgiveness.
Repentance and Salvation
The Bible connects repentance to salvation. When one repents of their sins and places saving faith in Christ, they receive eternal salvation. Repentance is part of the plan of salvation God has offered to all people. In 2 Peter 3:9 we are told that God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Salvation comes when people repent.
Repentance and Sanctification
Repentance is not just a one-time act, but an ongoing process of the Christian life. Believers are called to continually repent of sins as part of the path of sanctification. Throughout the Christian life, as sin is revealed, one must repent of it in order to grow in holiness. Repentance fuels sanctification. As a saint grows closer to God, their sensitivity to sin also grows, requiring ongoing repentance.
Repentance Is More Than Remorse
Simply feeling remorse or regret over one’s sins is not true biblical repentance. Judas felt remorse over betraying Jesus, yet he did not repent (Matt 27:3). Repentance is more than just remorse. It requires contrition over sin and an actual change of behavior to turn from those sins. Remorse alone is not enough. True repentance changes the direction of one’s life.
Repentance Is Commanded by God
The Bible makes it clear that repentance is something God commands everyone to do, and it is not optional. All people everywhere are commanded by God to repent. In Acts 17:30 Paul states that God “commands all people everywhere to repent.” Repentance is a non-negotiable requirement to receive forgiveness and be right with God. It is commanded by God himself.
Repentance Must Be Sincere
Throughout the Bible, warnings are given about repentance that it is not sincere or genuine. The danger of hypocritical repentance simply for show is often warned about. In Matthew 3:8, John the Baptist warns the Pharisees to “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Their repentance must be more than words, it must lead to changed behavior. True repentance is sincere and heartfelt.
The Kindness of God Leads to Repentance
The Bible teaches that it is ultimately the kindness and patience of God that leads people to repent (Rom 2:4). As people experience God’s love and mercy, it softens their heart and draws them to repentance. God’s desire is always to patiently wait for and woo sinners to repent through his abundant lovingkindness. His kindness leads us to repent.
Examples of Repentance
Throughout Scripture there are many examples of repentance that display what it looks like in practice:
– The Prodigal Son repented and returned to the Father (Luke 15:11-32)
– The Thief on the Cross repented of his sin and placed faith in Christ (Luke 23:42)
– Many repented at the preaching of John the Baptist (Matt 3:1-12)
– Many Jews repented at Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:37-38)
– Many gentiles repented after hearing Peter preach the Gospel (Acts 10:44-48)
– The Thessalonians turned to God from idols (1 Thess 1:9)
– Zacchaeus repented of greed and made restitution (Luke 19:1-10)
In all these examples we see the essence of biblical repentance – turning away from sin, confessing wrongdoing, submitting to Christ, and bearing fruit in keeping with repentance.
False Repentance to Avoid
The Bible also warns about false repentance that does not truly turn from sin or Saving faith. Examples include:
– Pharaoh temporarily appearing to repent of not letting Israel go, yet he quickly turned back to stubbornness when pressure was relieved (Ex 8:15, 32)
– Saul only partially obeyed God’s instructions but did not fully turn from his disobedience (1 Sam 15:24)
– Judas felt remorse for betraying Jesus but his sorrow led him to suicide, not repentance (Matt 27:3-5)
– Israel repeatedly backslides after periods of temporary repentance (Hos 6:4)
These examples show that true repentance is more than temporary sorrow over sin or short-lived change. It must lead to long-term fruitfulness and obedience.
The Dangers of Delaying Repentance
The Bible gives stern warnings not to harden one’s heart by delaying repentance. Scriptures urge people to respond immediately to the call of repentance, not to procrastinate. Delay allows the heart to grow hard and dulled to the conviction of sin. In Acts 24:25 when speaking with Felix, Paul warned him “not to be disobedient to the heavenly vision, for he was afraid there might not be another chance” to repent. Felix delayed and is not recorded to have ever repented.
God’s Promise to Those Who Repent
For all who sincerely repent, Scripture gives beautiful promises of forgiveness, mercy and restoration. In Isaiah 55:7, God promises “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” God has amazing promises for those who turn to him in repentance and faith.
How Repentance Relates to Key Biblical Doctrines
Here is a summary of how the doctrine of repentance relates to other key biblical doctrines:
– Sin: Repentance acknowledges human sinfulness and the need for confession and change. It takes sin seriously.
– Salvation: Repentance is a key part of the plan of salvation. Sinners must repent in order to receive forgiveness and eternal life.
– Redemption: Through the blood of Christ shed on the cross, repentance leads to redemption and freedom from slavery to sin.
– Regeneration: Those who repent are born again and given new life through the Holy Spirit who changes them from within.
– Sanctification: Repentance motivates the lifelong process of sanctification as believers continually confess and turn from sin.
– Justification: God declares the repentant righteous based on the imputed righteousness of Christ. Their repentance shows union with Christ.
– Adoption: Those who repent are adopted into God’s family as his beloved children.
– Reconciliation: Repentance removes the barrier of sin that keeps people from being reconciled with God.
– Grace: It is only by God’s grace and strength that anyone is able to truly repent.
So in summary, repentance is a major doctrine that relates closely to salvation, redemption, regeneration, sanctification, justification, adoption, reconciliation, and the grace of God. It is the biblical response to God’s offer of forgiveness of sins through Christ.
Bible Verses about Repentance
Here are some of the key Bible passages on repentance:
– “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)
– “Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Cor 7:10)
– “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38)
– “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3)
– “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
– “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)
– “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matt 3:8)
– “Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
– “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
These and many other verses affirm repentance as an essential part of salvation and Christian living. They call all people everywhere to repent.
Practical Steps for Repentance
Based on everything the Bible teaches about repentance, here are some practical steps to help guide someone in repenting from sin:
1. Examine your life and conscience before God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sin.
2. Confess the specific sins you have committed, agreeing with God that they are wrong. Don’t rationalize or make excuses.
3. Experience sorrow and brokenness over your sins, not just remorse. Allow your heart to be grieved and softened.
4. Turn away from sinful behaviors and make changes to avoid these sins in the future. This is the fruit of repentance.
5. Draw near to Jesus Christ in faith, relying on his grace to transform you. Turn to Christ as Savior and Lord.
6. Make restitution and reconcile broken relationships when possible. Seek forgiveness from those you have sinned against.
7. Thank God for his promise to completely forgive and cleanse you as you repent. Rejoice in new life he gives.
8. Continue to repent. Make repentance part of your daily spiritual practices, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas that need change.
9. Bear fruit in keeping with repentance such as service, righteousness, obedience and stewardship. Let your life display the change.
10. Rely on God’s strength to walk in freedom from the bondage of your past sins. Press on in faith and holiness.
As a daily spiritual practice, repentance is a lifestyle that leads to renewal, hope, joy and transformation as God changes us to be more like Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, biblical repentance is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith that has its roots in the Old Testament and comes to fruition in the New Testament. To repent means to have an inward change of heart that leads to an outward turning away from sin back towards God. It involves humbly acknowledging one’s sinfulness, expressing sorrow over sins, and then forsaking those sins through the empowering grace of God. Repentance leads to forgiveness, salvation, and restoration to God. It is something God commands all people everywhere to do, although only by God’s grace can people truly turn to him. As believers walk with Christ, repentance should be an ongoing practice as we become increasingly sensitive to sin and ripe for sanctification. Repentance brings freedom, hope and joy as we experience the undeserved mercy of God.
